SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SELECTION AND COMMUNICATION OF A DISK FOR STORAGE OF A COREDUMP

摘要

This invention provides a system and method for selecting and communicating a single disk (a "coredump disk") for use in a coredump procedure by a failed file server (or filer). A selection method on the failed filer determines the "best candidate" coredump disk according to a predetermined set of criteria. For example, the available disks that can receive coredump data are located and ordered so as to pre­fer disks that best match the coredump data size requirement, are least likely to be needed for normal service by the server; and require the least preparation to receive coredump data. Appropriate attributes on the selected coredump disk are written to indicate that a coredump is in progress, and the location of the coredump data. Upon reboot of the failed filer (or takeover by a cluster partner), the coredump disk is identified and the coredump data recovered by reading back appropriate attrib­utes.